Rear Axle Seal Leak (BX2200)

[diesel85]

Well, first major problem with my 2002 BX2200... My rear right hand axle seal is leaking. Got ~2,400 hours on the machine.

It's a slow leak, but I got all the parts and it works out perfectly because it is due for a full service (less the lash adjustment).

When buying the seal, I noticed that the seal is also used on some of the RTV vehicles, which apparently is prone to leaking too.

I'm surprised I got this long out of the seals, especially when reading that most RTV owners experience the problem around the ~800 hour mark on their vehicles.

Also pleased with my local Kubota dealer -- ALL parts were in stock, with plenty on hand.

Going to replace the axle shaft bearings and seals on both sides and drain and refill the transhydraulic oil, along with a new filter.

Just thought I'd share this. These older machines are so well built and are a pleasure to work on!

Still considering adding another (older/low hours) bigger Kubota to my fleet, but this one still suites my needs and has never ever let me down even in the most demanding tasks. Extremely pleased with my little Kubota. Still gets compliments to this day!

 

[diesel85]

I replaced the seals and bearings yesterday, as well as doing full service (except the lash adjustment (not needed yet due to hours)).

Having a hydraulic press and adapters made effortless work of this task.

Took pretty much the entire tractor apart. Full days worth of work from start to finish.

My tractor no longer leaks and is a happy clean tractor once again.

As per my service yesterday, I did the following:

• Fuel Filters
• Fan Belt
• Coolant Flush and expansion tank clean out
  • Thoroughly cleaned radiator from chaff and dirt
• Transhydraulic Fluid
  • Replaced Hydraulic Filter
  • Cleaned Screen
• Front Axel
  • Pivot Adjustment
  • Drained and refilled axle
• Replaced both left and right rear axle seals and bearings
• Oil change with filter
• Air Filter
• Removed all wheels and pressure washed them and the tractor
• Greased all zerks

I know you all want to see pictures...

One of the axle shafts out with old bearing set and old seal:

Initial removal of Jesus clip and seal:

Old bearing and seal removed off shaft:

Part numbers for bearing and seal:

New bearing pressed on and new seal:

Cleaned out axle flange area:

Assembly reinserted and seal installed:

 

[number two]

Good job!

 

[gsganzer]

I just replaced the rear axle seals on my 2003 BX2200, 850 hours a couple months ago. I suspect the age has as much to do with them failing as the hours.

Super easy job. I put the axles in the freezer and the bearings in the oven at 200F. Slipped on easy as ever. I also wiped some RTV on the seals, to help them stay in better. I saw one of the YouTube folks do that and I figured it wouldn't hurt anything.

 

[diesel85]

I just replaced the rear axle seals on my 2003 BX2200, 850 hours a couple months ago. I suspect the age has as much to do with them failing as the hours.

Super easy job. I put the axles in the freezer and the bearings in the oven at 200F. Slipped on easy as ever. I also wiped some RTV on the seals, to help them stay in better. I saw one of the YouTube folks do that and I figured it wouldn't hurt anything.

If I didn't have a 50 ton hydraulic press at my disposal, that would be my alternative.

It's funny, not to change the topic, but about 6-7 years ago I finally bought this hydraulic press, and every year, it gets used around 5-10 times a year. Here I thought, who the heck needs a hydraulic press at home?!?!? I've lived without it for years getting creative like you mention (time consuming!)... but I've justified it's expense, time and time again. Coincides with welding... I bought a new welder a few years ago, and now I'm using it almost every month.

 

[Henro]

I was curious about how the axle came out if a seal needs replaced.

Seems you would pry out the seal, remove the external snap ring, then pull the axle/bearing combination out. Simple enough.

Of course the bearing has to come off in order to position the new seal on the axle shaft.

 

[diesel85]

I was curious about how the axle came out if a seal needs replaced.

Seems you would pry out the seal, remove the external snap ring, then pull the axle/bearing combination out. Simple enough.

Of course the bearing has to come off in order to position the new seal on the axle shaft.

The axle seals came out easily with a plastic pry bar and a couple taps with my fist. They are in there about as hard as a wine cork. Literally, nothing to it.

Yep, exactly like you said. The two ways mention in this thread will work to get the bearing off. Heat/cold or hydraulic press methods.

I did one side at a time, as I'm not sure if anything inside the transmission would get disturbed or fall if I removed both axle shafts at the same time. Didn't want to chance any bad luck. No reason to remove both at the same time was my logic anyways.

When I put the seals back in, I pushed them in with my fingers, then went around the circumference with a rubber mallet with very light taps just to make sure it sealed.

Since I replaced the seals, I got about 12 hours on the new seals. No issues and the tractor and operator is happy.

Really, I love the design of my tractor along with my local Kubota dealer having all the parts on hand. As an owner/operator of a 20+ year old tractor, it shows why Kubota makes great equipment.

It was actually a fun project for me.

 

[gsganzer]

The axle seals came out easily with a plastic pry bar and a couple taps with my fist. They are in there about as hard as a wine cork. Literally, nothing to it.

Yep, exactly like you said. The two ways mention in this thread will work to get the bearing off. Heat/cold or hydraulic press methods.

I did one side at a time, as I'm not sure if anything inside the transmission would get disturbed or fall if I removed both axle shafts at the same time. Didn't want to chance any bad luck. No reason to remove both at the same time was my logic anyways.

When I put the seals back in, I pushed them in with my fingers, then went around the circumference with a rubber mallet with very light taps just to make sure it sealed.

Since I replaced the seals, I got about 12 hours on the new seals. No issues and the tractor and operator is happy.

Really, I love the design of my tractor along with my local Kubota dealer having all the parts on hand. As an owner/operator of a 20+ year old tractor, it shows why Kubota makes great equipment.

It was actually a fun project for me.

I agree with my 2003 BX2200. I think Kubota had everything perfected by that year. Then they went backwards for a few years using some plastic parts. I haven't looked at the latest offering.

My wife and I keep considering selling it for a zero turn. But the BX has and continues to be flawless in every regard. I think we'll wait until we buy our retirement place and see if it still fits our needs. In addition to the belly mower, we have the FEL. If we bought a 48" tiller, it could serve good duty for gardening.